Recent updates on COVID-19: A holistic review

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, are RNA viruses linked to significant outbreaks.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by WHO, necessitates comprehensive understanding of the virus and disease.
• SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic origin, sharing genetic similarities with bat coronaviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of COVID-19, encompassing its origin, transmission, and viral mutations.
• To discuss the pathophysiological changes in hosts infected with SARS-CoV-2.
• To review current diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for managing COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on coronaviruses and COVID-19.
• Analysis of reported mutations in SARS-CoV-2 key proteins (spike, nucleocapsid, PLpro, ORF3a).
• Examination of the impact of comorbidities on COVID-19 disease outcomes.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 exhibits significant nucleotide similarity to bat coronaviruses, indicating a zoonotic origin.
• Mutations in viral proteins can affect receptor binding, cell fusion, replication, and assembly.
• Comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes are associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• Current diagnostics include qRT-PCR, CT scans, and serological tests, with repurposed drugs like remdesivir used therapeutically.

Conclusions:

• Understanding SARS-CoV-2 mutations is crucial for assessing virulence and developing targeted therapeutics.
• Comorbidities significantly influence COVID-19 patient prognosis.
• Continued research is vital to accelerate understanding and management of the COVID-19 pandemic.